(Family Features) The holidays are about making memories with friends and family. When it’s your turn to host, you can set a truly memorable holiday table – without breaking the bank.

Celebrity chef and event planner Travis London, of Healthy Chic Eats, shares three great ideas for creating fantastic holiday table settings and a great recipe:

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. It’s okay to mix patterns andtextures because it adds another level of interest to the table. Mikasa offers many different dinnerware patterns that can be easily mixed with each other to create a great look. For example, start with red metallic chargers and add white Cameo Platinum dinner plates and festive salad plates such as Love Story Holiday. Or go for a fun, contemporary look by layering Christmas Cheers Dots and Christmas Candy Cane dishes.

Be creative with table decorations. Try using what you have in new ways. Fill a Pfaltzgraff Winterberry serving bowl with cranberries, or line a Winterberry platter with pretty votives and evergreen sprigs you snip from the back yard.

For an easy, long-lasting centerpiece usepotted plants. Many supermarkets sell potted plants at great prices. Rosemary plants make a beautiful and fragrant addition to the holiday table. Try setting out two pots of rosemary wrapped in red foil, then put them on either side of a glass vase or jar filled with red ornaments.

No matter how you dress your table for the holidays, the food is the real star of the show. This delicious cheesecake recipe from Travis will look good on any plate – and taste even better. For more entertaining tips and recipes, visit www.facebook.com/mikasadining.

(Family Features) Do your spring recipes need a little inspiration? To liven up seasonal gatherings, look to simple dishes with flavorful variations that will surprise the palate for everyone’s favorite course – dessert.

“I like to choose an easy dessert with creative twists that can carry me through the season,” says Mary Beth Harrington, a McCormick Kitchens flavor and baking expert, “That way, when it’s time to celebrate – whether I’m playing host to a large party or bringing a dessert to a spring gathering – I never have to wonder what I’m making, and I never serve the same dish twice.”

Lemon Cheesecake Bars are Mary Beth’s sweet inspiration for the season. A classic spring flavor, lemon adds a unique twist to simple cheesecake bars, making them a refreshing hit for all ages. For a new take, substitute the lemon extract with other seasonal tastes, like fragrant orange or fruity raspberry extracts. And, for a special garnish, top the cheesecake with a fresh berry topping, which can be personalized with your favorite blend of berries and a touch of vanilla extract.

You can find more flavorful twists on go-to recipes on www.McCormick.com. While you’re there, take a peek at the “My Look Book” feature. These digital scrapbooks are a hub for spring inspiration, featuring a collage of dazzling images and mouthwatering recipes.

Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add milk, flour and extracts; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each addition, just until blended. Pour over crust.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely on wire rack.

(Family Features) With cold and flu season upon us, it may be tempting to hibernate until the danger of red, puffy eyes and a stuffy nose disappears. Waiting for a cold or flu to run its course can truly feel like an eternity, especially when the symptoms have you looking as bad as you feel.

While there is no guaranteed strategy for avoiding the flu or sniffles, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your family. And if you do fall ill, taking extra care will help ease you through until you’re on the mend.

While the Centers for Disease Control recommends the flu shot as the single best preventive measure, you can also help ward off illness with healthy habits like these:

Keep yourself and your belongings away from others who may be sick to prevent the spread of germs. Don’t share dishes and utensils in the kitchen, and provide sick family members with their own hand towels in the kitchen and bathroom.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based rub. Avoid unnecessarily touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which are easy portals for germs to enter your body.

Keep your immune system running strong by eating sensible and nutritious meals, exercising regularly, managing stress in a healthy way and getting plenty of sleep.

If your prevention falls short and you find yourself combatting sniffles, take these steps to nudge yourself back to good health:

Consult with your pharmacist or doctor about which medications may help relieve your symptoms.

Use a soft facial tissue on your irritated skin. Puffs Plus Lotion is dermatologist-tested to be gentle and helps soothe irritated skin by locking in moisture

Stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever passes. This will help you catch up on much-needed rest and prevent the chance of passing anything contagious on to your friends and co-workers.

Calm stuffy sinuses with the steam of a long, hot shower. Take the sinus soothing a step further by using Puffs Plus Lotion with the Scent of Vicks.

Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue like Puffs when sneezing or coughing to minimize the spread of germs.

As your symptoms ease, remember to take it easy and allow your body to fully recover so you don’t suffer a setback that needlessly prolongs your illness.

For more tips for warding off discomfort from a cold, flu or allergies, visit www.puffs.com.

(Family Features) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease. In fact, about one-third of people with diabetes have severe gum disease.

Why are those with diabetes more vulnerable to gum disease? High blood glucose levels impair the body’s ability to heal from oral infections and uncontrolled diabetes can make treating gum disease more difficult, according to the American Diabetes Association. The Association is joining with Colgate to launch a new “Watch Your Mouth!” campaign to help raise awareness surrounding the often over-looked link between oral health and diabetes. Here are some tips to help you live well with diabetes:

Watch your mouth! Begin to develop healthy oral care habits, like brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly. Research shows that brushing twice a day with Colgate Total toothpaste can help improve gum health in as little as four weeks.*

Don’t miss out on your favorite foods. Just eat healthier versions that everyone in your family can enjoy. Making simple substitutions to most dishes can help increase nutritional value, while not sacrificing on taste.

Use the right tools. Stay organized with a journal large enough to keep your diet, exercise, goals and health information together. Keep a week’s worth of prescriptions in one place with a handy pill case.

Know your risks. The American Diabetes Association lists the common risk factors for diabetes as being 45 or older, being overweight, not exercising regularly, having high blood pressure and being a part of certain racial and ethnic groups.

Visit your dentist. While your doctor and certified diabetes educator play an important role in helping with your diabetes, so does your dentist. If you don’t see a private-practice dentist, you can visit dental schools that provide services at a fraction of the cost to help you keep your mouth healthy.

According to experts, from 2000 until 2011, senior citizens 65 years and older grew nearly 18 percent, up to 41.4 million. Nearly 81 percent of that age group owned homes at the end of 2011.

Children and families of the Baby Boomer generation — people born between 1946 and 1960 — will soon find themselves helping elderly loved ones move.

Moving a senior family member is challenging. No one wants to upset that person, and everyone wants the move to go as smoothly as possible. This can sometimes seem like an impossible task.

The important thing to remember when moving a senior is to stay organized and calm throughout the move, say the experts at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®. When moving a senior into a living facility, consider contacting management to find out what can be brought onto the campus, what are appropriate moving hours, and do they have any best practices for the move.

Remember:

Start packing several weeks in advance. Pack early to avoid being overwhelmed as moving day draws near.

Wrap small items in colored paper. This prevents items such as knick-knacks from becoming lost or thrown out.

Label boxes on top and sides. Mark the top and sides of boxes as they’re packed. Make sure to label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items with “fragile.”

Pack all electronic equipment in original boxes. Otherwise use low-static bubble wrap when packing these items

Always use packing paper. When wrapping fine china and precious items, the ink from printed newsprint may bleed onto valuables.

Sealing all boxes with packing tape. This makes it easier to stack and protect belongings.

Use boxes designed for the items you are packing. Use dish pack boxes for dishes and wardrobe boxes for clothing.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company both in the United States and internationally. Currently there are more than 240 national locations and 1,500 trucks operating in the U.S.; in total, the company operates 260 locations and 1,600 trucks. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has performed more than 4.5 million moves since its inception in 1985. The company has seen consistent monthly growth dating back to December 2009 and more than 20 months of double-digit growth. Each location is independently owned and operated. Visit twomenandatruck.com.

The city of Las Vegas active adult and senior centers offer exercise, fitness, craft, arts, dance, music and computer classes; cards; games; discussion and social groups; luncheons; sports; and special events Monday through Friday to residents age 50 and better. Many of these activities contribute to wellness and a healthy lifestyle. A listing of classes and activities is published in the Beyond the Neon Leisure Guide, available in the centers and online at www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Find/recreation.htm. All activities are subject to change. Most activities require $2 annual membership to city of Las Vegas Senior Citizen Programs, available at all senior and active adult centers.

AARP Free Tax Form Preparation
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, through April 12, by appointment only.

Las VegasSeniorCenter, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.

Low-income residents can get free assistance in preparing their personal income tax forms. Some restrictions apply; call 229-6454 for details and appointment.

Income restrictions apply. Call 229-1515 for information and to make an appointment.

VITAFree Tax Form Preparation

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through April 11, by appointment only.
Doolittle Senior Center, 1930 N. J St., (702) 229-6125.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an Internal Revenue Service program designed to help low- and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. All ages with income under $49,000 are welcome. Call 229-6125 for appointments.

Senior Idol Auditions (ages 50+)

Application packets available April 1-26.

Auditions May 8-9, by appointment only.

Las VegasSeniorCenter, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.

Residents interested in performing during the annual Senior Idol Talent Show are invited to complete an audition application packet. Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, and musicians, both individuals and groups, are encouraged to apply. All performers must be at least 50 years old. Application packets will be available April 1 at the Las VegasSeniorCenter, and are due no later than April 26. Auditions will be selected from completed applications; applicants will be given an appointment May 8 or 9 at the Las VegasSeniorCenter. The show will be performed Thursday, June 13. Tickets go on sale May 1. Call 229-6454 for information and application packets!

Centennial Hills Active Adult Book Club (ages 50+)
First Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m.; April 3.

Enjoy lovely guitar music while you dine during the International Guitar Month Luncheon. Registration opens March 1.

Picnic at the Garden (ages 50+)

Wednesday, April 17, noon. Register at DoolittleSeniorCenter by April 10. Space is limited.

Cost: $3.

DoolittleCommunityGarden, 1200 block of Blankenship Ave., (702) 229-6125.
Enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs, feast on delightful side dishes and desserts, enjoy the scenery and catch up on all the fruits and vegetables grown in our community garden.

Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while you take this defensive driving course to improve your skills!

Red Hat Rally (ages 50+)

Thursday, April 25, 11:30 a.m. Register by April 19. Registration opens March 1.

Cost: $10, plus current senior programs membership.

Las VegasSeniorCenter, 451 E. Bonanza Road, (702) 229-6454.

Calling all Red Hatters! Join the city of Las Vegas and the Purple Passions Red Hat group from the Las VegasSeniorCenter for a luncheon and entertainment to celebrate you. Door prizes will be awarded. Space is limited, so register early!

Enjoy the lowest rates of the year–plus bonus early-bird savings when you book by February 28–at this luxurious, beachfront boutique resort on sunny Saint Lucia
St. Lucia, West Indies — What are you waiting for? Plan your escape to the Caribbean’s most beautiful island during its most festive season and enjoy the lowest rates of the year beginning April 14 at luxurious Calabash Cove Resort & Spa. Plus, when you book your stay at this beachfront boutique resort on stunning Saint Lucia by February 28 for travel through August 31, receive bonus savings of an additional 10% off rates!

Tucked away on gently sloping, tropical beachfront on the northwest coast of the island, Calabash Cove is offering reduced seasonal rates starting at $405/night, depending on accommodations and meal plan selected. Choose from the European Plan (EP), featuring a daily island breakfast buffet, or the Luxury Gourmet Plan (LGP), an all-inclusive option that includes all meals and beverages throughout your stay. All accommodations feature unparalleled views of the sea from your private balcony or porch. Choose from the following:

• Water’s Edge Cottages – Each of the nine handcrafted teak and mahogany Water’s Edge Cottages on the beach is replete with private plunge pool for late night dips, outdoor rain shower for tropical sensations, private Jacuzzi for sipping Champagne the right way, and a lazy patio hammock surrounded by tropical flora oft visited by the island’s hummingbirds. These luxurious hideaways offer unparalleled views of the bay with the majestic Pitons in the distance and exquisite Caribbean sunsets. When night and stars steal across the sky, curl up in the spacious living area as sea breezes drift gently through.

• Swim-Up Junior Suites – These unique, 620-square-foot junior suites offer luxury and comfort, including private Jacuzzis – and are located just steps from Sweetwaters, the oversized, infinity-edge pool, offering unrestricted and private access directly from the patio of your room. Swim across to the bar and watch the sunset while you enjoy one of the resort’s signature cocktails, or take a romantic midnight swim.

Calabash Cove is home to the full-service Ti Spa, which overlooks the oversized Sweetwaters infinity pool poised at bay’s edge and the wide expanse of the beach. Revitalizing treatments combine European technique with St. Lucia’s rich tradition of plant- and fruit-based curatives. Calabash Cove’s own Windsong Restaurant seasonally inspired dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. Unobstructed views across the Caribbean Sea enhance the menu’s sensory delights. Complimenting Windsong’s elegant milieu is the convivial C-bar, which serves international cocktails and fine wines from the Calabash Cove Cellars amid lively island music.

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, St. Lucia’s allure also comes from its broad array of exhilarating recreation and entertainment. From April 30 to May 12, for example, the cool sounds of live jazz, R&B and reggae and other international music mingle with sultry ocean breezes during the internationally renowned Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. From May 26 through July 16, meanwhile, the island features a colorful collage of Saint Lucian culture during the annual St. Lucia Carnival celebration. Guests who prefer more active adventures will not be disappointed. Whether its hiking the island’s iconic Pitons, side-by-side volcanic peaks, or sailing on an authentic pirate’s galleon, soaking in hot springs, cooling off under a waterfall, zip-lining through a rainforest canopy, exploring a working cocoa plantation, and shopping in a quaint fishing village, St. Lucia has something to offer everyone. Calabash Cove will help to transform guests’ dreams into reality with full concierge service for those who wish to explore the island.

For more information or to make reservations at Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, visit www.CalabashCove.com, call 1-800-917-COVE (2683), or contact your preferred travel agent or e-mail reservations@calabashcove.com or Tammy@LMPInternational.com. Calabash Cove can also be booked through leading tour operators, including Travel Impressions, Vacation Express and the Mark Travel Company.

Celebrate the Year of the Water Snake with Chinese New Year Festivities at Fremont Street Experience

Second Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert to Take Place in Downtown Las Vegas Feb. 8-10

Celebrate the Year of the Water Snake as Fremont Street Experience, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Golden Catalyst present the second annual Chinese New Year in the Desert festival in Downtown Las Vegas from Feb. 8 – 10. Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is known as “Spring Festival” in China, “Tet New Year” in Vietnamese and “Seol-lal” in Korean.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will kick-off the three-day festival during the opening ceremonies which will feature a live authentic dragon dance by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin. Throughout the weekend guests will also experience live International Cultural Performances; taste authentic dishes from around the world in the International Vendor Village; watch contestants compete for the chance to be crowned Miss Asian American Pacific Islander USA which will include a Macy*s Fashion Show, Talent Show and interview segment; view stunning parade floats in the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade; and create their own lantern to display on Fremont Street Experience to commemorate the Lunar Lantern Festival.

“Last year we hosted the first-ever Chinese New Year festival in Downtown Las Vegas which was a great success,” said Jeff Victor, president of Fremont Street Experience. “We are excited to once again host this important holiday and encourage everyone to come downtown for a fun-filled weekend to usher in the Year of the Snake and wish wealth, health and good fortune to all.”

“Chinese New Year in the Desert will be a three-day cultural party with several new marquee events, making Downtown Las Vegas truly one of the best places for everyone to come together and ring in the Year of the Water Snake,” said Jan-Ie Low, of Golden Catalyst.

“Las Vegas is excited to usher in Chinese New Year with a variety of cultural amenities, attractions and celebrations,” said Michael Goldsmith, vice president of international sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “China is an important market for the destination as it is our number one source of international travel from Asia.”

Opening Ceremonies – Friday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman will help usher in the new year by participating in the Opening Ceremonies and ribbon cutting on Friday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage (next to the D, Four Queens and Fremont). The new year will be greeted with a live authentic dragon dance performed by the Las Vegas Lohan School of Shaolin complete with virtual firecrackers on Viva Vision (the largest video screen in the world measuring 1,500 feet long and suspended 90 feet above the street), an eye painting ceremony and performers dressed in elaborate costumes.

International Vendor Village and Cultural Performances
Throughout the three-day festival, guests will be taken on a journey around the world as they experience performances from several Asian entertainers on the 3rd Street Stage and visit the International Vendor Village, located on 3rd Street North between Fremont Street and Stewart Avenue, to taste the international flavors from renown food vendors. The International Vendor Village and Cultural Performances will take place on Friday, Feb. 8 from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 9 and 10 from noon-9 p.m.

Lunar Lantern Festival
To commemorate the Lunar Lantern Festival, which officially ends the Chinese New Year celebrations, primary grade students of Clark County School District will be constructing paper lanterns marked with their “wish” for 2013. The lanterns will then be on display throughout Fremont Street Experience during the Chinese New Year in the Desert festival. Additionally, guests and passersby are invited to stop in at a booth located near the 3rd Street Stage to build their own lantern to display on Fremont Street Experience. The Lunar Lantern Festival is sponsored by St. Jude’s Women’s Auxiliary Group.

Miss Asian American Pacific Islander USA Pageant
Throughout the three-day event, several women will compete in the Miss Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) USA Pageant. Contestants will participate in the Macy*s Fashion Show, modeling the latest cutting edge Spring fashion lines from Macy*s, a Talent Show emceed by Ian Ziering from Beverly Hills 90210, and interview segment for the chance to be crowned Miss AAPI USA. The winner will receive a combination of cash and gift prizes with a retail value of $10,000. The First Runner-Up and Second Runner-Up will receive a combination of cash and gift prizes with a retail value of $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.

The schedule for the Miss Asian American Pacific Islander Pageant is as follows:
*** All events take place on the 3rd Street Stage.

Heart Walk Benefitting the American Heart Association
On Saturday, Feb. 9 thousands of walkers from all over the valley will step out to support the American Heart Association during the Heart Walk. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the 3rd Street Stage with the walk taking place from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade
On Sunday, Feb. 10 local businesses and organizations will come together to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year during the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade. Parade participants will showcase their talent and creativity with the most extravagant floats in vibrant colors to commemorate the rich history of the most important holiday of the Asian community. Starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Gass Avenue and 4th Street, the McDonald’s Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade will travel up 4th Street through Fremont Street Experience and end at the intersection of 4th Street and Ogden Avenue.

For a detailed entertainment schedule go to www.cnyinthedesert.com. All entertainment is free and open to the public.

About Fremont Street Experience
Fremont Street Experience is a five-block entertainment complex located in historic downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street Experience features Viva Vision, the world’s largest video screen which is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above the pedestrian mall. Viva Vision features nightly spectacular light and sounds shows with 12.5 million LED lights and a 550,000-watt sound system. Fremont Street Experience is a one-of-a-kind venue which includes free nightly concerts and entertainment on three stages. With direct pedestrian access to 10 casinos, more than 60 restaurants and specialty retail kiosks, Fremont Street Experience attracts over 17 million annual visitors. Fremont Street Experience can be found online at www.vegasexperience.com.

(Family Features) The holidays are about making memories with friends and family. When it’s your turn to host, you can set a truly memorable holiday table – without breaking the bank.

Celebrity chef and event planner Travis London, of Healthy Chic Eats, shares three great ideas for creating fantastic holiday table settings and a great recipe:

• Don’t be afraid to mix and match. It’s okay to mix patterns and textures because it adds another level of interest to the table. Mikasa offers many different dinnerware patterns that can be easily mixed with each other to create a great look. For example, start with red metallic chargers and add white Cameo Platinum dinner plates and festive salad plates such as Love Story Holiday. Or go for a fun, contemporary look by layering Christmas Cheers Dots and Christmas Candy Cane dishes.

• Be creative with table decorations. Try using what you have in new ways. Fill a Pfaltzgraff Winterberry serving bowl with cranberries, or line a Winterberry platter with pretty votives and evergreen sprigs you snip from the back yard.

• For an easy, long-lasting centerpiece use potted plants. Many supermarkets sell potted plants at great prices. Rosemary plants make a beautiful and fragrant addition to the holiday table. Try setting out two pots of rosemary wrapped in red foil, then put them on either side of a glass vase or jar filled with red ornaments.

No matter how you dress your table for the holidays, the food is the real star of the show. This delicious cheesecake recipe from Travis will look good on any plate – and taste even better. For more entertaining tips and recipes, visit www.facebook.com/mikasadining.

Meal times are bar none the most important activity of the day for seniors living in retirement and assisted living communities. Eating is an immensely enjoyable activity when you’re young (as evidenced by our 60% overweight population) and for the elderly, and is often the only enjoyable activity of the day. And while fattening home cooked dishes will always be on menus – just watch the uprising if they took away chicken fried steak from anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line – communities should still be striving for quality and freshness.

Our seniors spent their whole lives deciding when and what they wanted to eat. Isn’t it only fair that they get to do that now? While many communities have limited meal times – and this is not necessarily bad, it’s certainly better to have an all day dining program in place. When is the last time someone told you that lunch was served at 11AM sharp? Our seniors aren’t children and they’re paying a lot of coin to live in these places. Communities should attempt to be as flexible as possible in their scheduling to be respectful of the decision-making ability of these folks, even if they come in at the same time. Every. Single. Day.

It’s just as important to give seniors the choice of where to sit. Senior communities can be like high school with folks moving in and out of social circles. Wouldn’t you get sick of sitting next to the same person every day? What if you didn’t like them? Assigned seating should be reserved only for residents with very high care needs who need extra attention.

Knowledgeable Food & Beverage Director. All the better if the chef is a nutritionist (and in some states it’s the law). Even if no need exists now, he or she should be able to tell you what they can and can not do in the event diets change for health reasons. Diabetes, chewing problems and diverticulitis, among many others – are fairly common ailments among an aging population and something to think about when considering a move.

Quality and Quantity. Look to see how extensive the menu is. Residents should be given at least three options at every meal, one hearty, one healthy, and one light. Even home style dishes should be made with fresh ingredients and a minimum of salt, and served with fruits and vegetables that will be pleasing to any palate.

Cleanliness and Atmosphere. Keeping the kitchen and dining room clean are incredibly important to help prevent the spread of illness within a more frail population prone to picking up every little bug. Check food safety inspections and be sure to walk all the way into the dining room (and in the kitchen if they allow it) to make sure staff looks clean and crisp, salt and pepper shakers free of any visible debris, table surfaces sanitized, and glasses and silverware spotless.

Don’t forget to try the food. While every community claims to have the best around, make sure you ask to try it for yourself. Your taste buds don’t lie and it will give you a much better idea of what the community is really like as a whole.

Ms. Harrison has consulted with over 10 different distressed and startup senior living properties across the nation. Seniors Best Interests is a free-to-family service that advocates on behalf of seniors and their families when they begin searching for senior living communities.

PAIN IN THE DRAIN

IN THE COMMUNITY!

Did You Know… …You can dispose of your expired and unused medicine at any Police Department in Clark County?Drop Boxes are now located in the lobby of the Boulder City Police Department, the City of Henderson Police Department Substations, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department substations, the North Las Vegas Police Department substations and the Mesquite Plice Department substations.

Don’t Rush to Flush! Dispose of your expired medicines properly!

Only public employees may access public manholes for maintenance or monitoring activities. Other, illegal discharges might result in:

Clogged or overflowing sewer lines

Disruption of wastewater treatment plant processes

Damage to sewer lines and laterals

Buildup of toxic gases in the lines

Harmful discharges into the environment

An example of an illegal discharge is a commercial vacuum truck dumping its contents of grease interceptors, sand/oil interceptors and septic tanks into the sewer system. Illegal dumping into public manholes is most likely to occur at night and away from major streets. If you see a potentially unauthorized discharge, please contact the Water Reclamation District at 702-668-8354.

Introducing F.O.G.G.

The Clark County Water Reclamation District and the Cities of Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas have teamed up to ask our residents to Just Can It! and help keep cooking fat, oils, grease and grit (FOGG) out of our community’s sewer systems. These agencies maintain extensive collection systems of several thousand miles of pipeline underneath the streets to deliver wastewater from homes, businesses and schools to the treatment facilities.
We call it wastewater, but it is not wasted at all. We reclaim every drop of this valuable resource by treating it to very high levels until suitable for reuse- for golf courses, soccer fields, industrial cooling and, most importantly, for return to Lake Mead and the Colorado River system for Return Flow Credits. In order to clean the water to the very high standards necessary, these agencies must keep the wastewater flowing through the pipelines to reach the plants for treatment.

F.O.G.G. FAQs

Q: What is FOGG, and is it a problem?A: FOGG is made up of fat, oil, grease, and grit, and it is a very BIG problem! FOGG does not mix with water because its components are insoluble and have a tendency to separate from a liquid solution. When fat, oil and grease are poured down the drain, they stick to the sewer pipe walls creating layers of buildup that restrict the wastewater flow. This problem requires pipes to be cleaned more frequently, causes pipes to be replaced sooner than expected, and causes blockages that can result in sewer overflows.

Q: How does fat, oil, grease, and grit (FOGG) create a sewer blockage?A: Fat, oil, grease, and grit in a warm, liquid form may appear to be harmless since they flow easily down the drain. However, as the liquid cools, the FOGG solidifies and floats to the top of the other liquid in the sewer pipes. The layer of FOGG sticks to the sewer pipes and over time, the flow of wastewater becomes restricted and can cause a backup or overflow. The gritty particles, including coffee grinds, eggshells, aquarium gravel, grain, rice, seeds, etc. get trapped in the greasy buildup, accelerating the problem rapidly.
Over time, FOGG accumulates in the sewer system in much the same way that cholesterol accumulates in our arteries. As FOGG builds in the pipes, wastewater becomes increasingly restricted. Suddenly, sometimes without warning, a sewer pipe backs up and overflows, similar to a heart attack. The result is a home flooded with sewage, or sewage overflowing in the street, where it flows – untreated – into area waterways.

Q: What can I do to keep fat, oil, grease, and grit (FOGG) out of the sewer and help prevent a grease related sewer overflow from occurring in my house or on my street?A: Everyone plays a role in preventing FOGG from damaging our sewer system. The following easy tips can help prevent a sewer overflow in your home or neighborhood.

Fat, oil, grease, and grit should NEVER be poured down the sink. Sink drains and garbage disposals are not designed to handle these materials properly.

Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash.

Pour fat, oil, grease and grit into a disposable container, such as an empty glass jar or coffee can. Once the liquid has cooled and solidified, secure the lid and place the container in the trash.

Disconnect, or at least minimize use of the garbage disposal to get rid of food scraps. The garbage disposal chops up food into small pieces, but can still cause a blockage in the pipe. Use sink strainers to catch food items, and then empty the strainer into the trash.

Q: Why is it important to dispose of FOGG properly?A: Sewer system maintenance in neighborhoods that experience sewer blockages and backups due to fat, oil, grease, and grit is expensive and can contribute to the amount that customers pay for sewer service. A sewer blockage or backup can also result in expensive repairs to the home.

Q: What should I do if I experience a sewer blockage or overflow?A: Call your sewer service provider at one of the following numbers:

Clark County Water Reclamation District: 702-434-6600

City of Las Vegas: 702-229-6594

City of Henderson: 702-267-2500

City of North Las Vegas: 702-633-1275

Pain in the Drain | Why Flushing is Bad

Why Flushing is a Bad Idea When you flush medication down your drain, it ends up at one of our treatment facilities. These ingredients can remain in the treated water when it is released into the water cycle. When prescription or over-the-counter drugs are flushed down the sink or toilet, their chemical components may be added to the water supply. The presence of these substances in the environment is emerging as an important national and international issue. Although the concentration levels of these products in the environment is very low, research and monitoring are continuing worldwide.
Putting medications down the drain is not just a local concern. Increasingly, prescription and non-prescription medications, many of which are not effectively destroyed by sewage treatment plants, are finding their way into streams and drinking water supplies. A study conducted by the United States Geological Survey found that 80 percent of the 139 streams sampled across 30 states detected very low concentrations of chemicals commonly found in prescription drugs. While the concentration levels of these products are very low, they may be enough to cause adverse effects in the environment and to human health.

Enjoy three excellent meals each day in our beautiful dining room. At Oak Hill, you can enjoy a full activity calendar with both inside and outside events to engage your mind, body and spirit. Weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation is also part of your reasonable monthly fee.

Throw away your vacuum cleaner! Get rid of your toilet brush! Donate the lawnmower! Because at Oak Hill Senior Living Community, we take care of the chores so you don’t have to.

Oak Hill is more than a place to live – it’s a place to call home and it is a community for you to enjoy. If you have not been in for a tour, call us today for a complementary lunch and personal tour of this wonderful opportunity.

Amenities

Life in Our Community

Living at Oak Hill is an ideal lifestyle. Three meals are available to you each and every day; we do the cooking and the dishes. Or if you opt, your beautiful kitchenette gives you opportunity to enjoy a meal in your apartment.

You have worked hard for a long, long time. Put your feet up and let Oak Hill’s housekeepers do the vacuuming, the dusting, mop the bathrooms, and clean out the shower each and every week. They even change the flat linen.

Here you’ll find personal touches and activities unique to our vibrant community. Oak Hill’s activity program allows the flexibility to be as relaxed or active as you like. Here you have the option of taking up new hobbies as well as continuing with old favorites.

We’ve taken extra effort to ensure each detail at Oak Hill is above par when it comes to your enjoyment and convenience.Frequent trips around town will enable you to continue your active lifestyle while still enjoying extras such as weekly housekeeping, linen service, and landscaping. Escape to Oak Hill Senior Living and join us for the good life.

Your monthly rental rate includes the following programs and services:

Three delicious meals each day along with a 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. beverage bar

Weekly housekeeping

Paid utilities (except cable and personal telephone)

24-hour security

Maintenance and grounds-keeping service

Scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping, outings, tours, and more

Senior Industry Network Group Events

Monthly SING Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at our NEW location below:

Desert Canyon - HealthSouth
9175 W. Oquendo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89148

S.I.N.G. Agenda:
- Coffee and bagels will be served
- A time to show gratitude by thanking those who have sent you referrals
- Announcements around the room
- One minute commercials
- Open Discussion on topics of Self Empowerment